AirAsia signs for up to 70 Airbus A321XLR in multi-billion-dollar Paris deal 

AirAsia has signed a $12.25 billion deal with Airbus to purchase 50 A321XLRs with options for 20 more during a ceremony in Paris, France. 

The agreement, announced on July 4, 2025, was signed in the presence of Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was also holding talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. 

AirAsia said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoM) for up to 70 Airbus A321XLR aircraft would enable the airline to “serve longer-range, underserved routes more efficiently, including into Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe”. 

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, were also present at the signing.  

“We pioneered low-cost travel in Asia – now, we are taking it to the next level. AirAsia is on a transformative journey to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier. This is about exponential growth, connecting geographies beyond Asean, and making flying even more democratic. We gave people in Asean the opportunity to explore Asia – now we want the world to see Asean, and Asean to see the world,” said Fernandes. 

AirAsia He added: “The A321XLR and A321LR are the game-changers enabling this vision, and we are proud to lead the charge in making our world smaller. We can’t wait to paint the skies even wider in red.” 

The aircraft are scheduled for delivery commencing from 2028 through 2032. AirAsia aims to carry 150 million guests annually by 2030.  

“We are pleased to confirm this agreement, as AirAsia Group begins its next development chapter. Having resumed its growth trajectory, which we salute and support, the airline is creating solid fleet efficiencies, allowing global network expansion. The A321XLR unlocks new opportunities for AirAsia to launch non-stop flights linking primary and secondary cities all around the globe,” said Scherer.  

70 all-new @Airbus A321XLRs, locked in! Flying farther, using less fuel and opening up more destinations – just for you. We’re excited for what’s ahead. Where should we fly to next? #FlyAirAsia pic.twitter.com/rVkuvN5CG0— AirAsia (@airasia) July 5, 2025 The next-generation A321XLRs will operate alongside AirAsia’s all-Airbus fleet of A320 family and A330 aircraft. 

Commenting on the agreement the Malaysian prime minister said: “I have witnessed the signing of the purchase agreement for A321XLR aircraft between AirAsia and Airbus, which will strengthen the airline’s operational capabilities for short and medium-haul routes. This acquisition not only expands the flight network but also supports Malaysia’s aspiration to emerge as a leading aviation hub in the Asian region.” 

AirAsia also recently announced ambitions to open a Gulf hub later this year in order to expand its reach to a number of European cities.  

In June 2025, Fernandes told the Financial Times: “From there, Europe is [a shorter] distance away. We can then start looking at those kinds of exciting, longer-haul fares, and start taking people around the world through a one-stop and multi-hop strategy.” 

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